Things have to get worse to get better. My grandmother always said that and it really is true. If you are going to really clean and declutter the house it will have to get worse. Also you bought a car. A much needed car. That car had its own collateral. Adding it to your debt makes you you feel like a failure. But putting money into a dying car is failing. Cheer up Charlie, things will get better. I have been where you are right now so many times.